Firearm Rest

ABSTRACT

A firearm rest is constructed and arranged to receive a weight plate of standard size and shape. The firearm rest can secure the weight against movement in three orthogonal directions. In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame defining a planar weight support surface, a front firearm support, and a rear firearm support, wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support and secure a weight plate. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a clamp, a magnet, a strap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction pad, and/or a platform having a raised perimeter flange. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a shaft that is moveable between first and second positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a firearm rest, and morespecifically to a recoil-reducing firearm rest.

The use of firearm rests is known in the art. A firearm rest, such as arifle rest, can be used to support a firearm during aiming and shooting,thereby increasing accuracy. A firearm rest can also help brace thefirearm against movement immediately after firing, which can reduce theamount of recoil felt by the shooter.

More recently, firearm rests have been introduced that can acceptadditional weight. Thus, the mass of the firearm rest can be adjustedaccording to properties of the firearm and the ammunition. One exampleis disclosed in Patent Application Publication US 2007/0074439, whichteaches a rifle rest having a u-shaped holder that accepts 25 pound bagsof lead shot.

It has been found that in some instances, bags having additional mass,such as lead shot or sand, will undesirably shift in position when thefirearm is fired. Further, the firearm user often must buy the shot bagsand the lead shot specifically for use with the rifle rest. Thus, theadditional weight for the rifle rest is only useful to the owner inconjunction with the rifle rest.

There remains a need for novel firearm rest designs that are capable ofaccepting and securing various amounts of weight. Further, it would bedesirable for the weights to be useful to the owner in applicationsother than in conjunction with the firearm rest.

All US patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72.The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope ofthe claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame, a front support,a rear support and a shaft attached to the frame. The shaft is moveablebetween first and second positions. A longitudinal axis of the shaft isoriented substantially vertically in the first position.

In some embodiments, a weight plate of standard size can be supported bythe frame, and the shaft can extend through a central aperture of theweight. The shaft can brace the weight against lateral movement withrespect to the frame.

In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame defining a planarweight support surface, a front firearm support, a rear firearm supportand a shaft. The shaft can be attached to the frame at a location belowthe planar weight support surface, and can extend upwards through aplane defined by the planar weight support surface.

In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame defining a planarweight support surface, a front firearm support, and a rear firearmsupport, wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support andsecure a weight plate. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a clamp,a magnet, a strap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction pad, and/or aplatform having a raised perimeter flange.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made tothe drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described variousembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described withspecific reference being made to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest supporting weight plates ofa standard size.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the weight plates removed.

FIG. 3 shows another view of an embodiment of a firearm rest.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a frame in greater detail.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with weight bags.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with a raised flange.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with clamps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. Thisdescription is an exemplification of the principles of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodimentsillustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest 10 supporting a firearm 8.The firearm rest 10 may also be referred to herein as a rifle rest, agun rest, etc. The firearm rest 10 can be used with any suitably sizedfirearm, for example, rifles, shotguns and the like.

The firearm rest 10 generally comprises a frame 20, a front support 40,and a rear support 60. The front and rear supports 40, 60 are arrangedto support the firearm 8, and the frame 20 is arranged to support thefront and rear supports 40, 60. The frame 20 is preferably constructedand arranged to receive a weight 16, such as a standard or Olympic sizeweight plate 18. Weight plates 18 are desirable because they can besecured to the firearm rest 20 quickly and easily, and because apurchaser of a firearm rest 20 may already own weight plates 18.

In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a plurality of legs 12 thatcan contact a surface 9 that is supporting the firearm rest 10. In someembodiments, each leg 12 can further comprise a foot 14, which can bemade from a material having a higher frictional coefficient than the leg12. Desirably, a foot 14 will frictionally engage the support surface 9and resist lateral movement. In some embodiments, feet 14 compriserubber. In some embodiments, a foot 14 is adjustable with respect to theleg 12, for example comprising a threaded shaft that is received by theleg 12. Thus, the feet 14 can be adjustable in height, which allows thefirearm rest 10 to be oriented level on a supporting surface 9 that isnot level.

FIG. 2 shows the firearm rest 10 of FIG. 1 with the weight 16 removed.The firearm rest 10 can comprise a shaft 36. A shaft 36 can comprise aportion of the frame 20 and/or can be attached to the frame 20. In someembodiments, a longitudinal axis 37 of the shaft 36 is orientedvertically or substantially vertically when the firearm rest 10 is on ahorizontal surface. Preferably, a longitudinal axis 37 of the shaft 36is oriented within 30 degrees of vertical.

The shaft 36 is preferably arranged to receive and secure a weight 16,such as a plate 18 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a weight 16comprises an aperture, and when the weight 16 is placed on the firearmrest 10, the shaft 36 extends through the aperture, for example as shownin FIG. 1.

The firearm rest 10 can further comprise a fastener 39 that engages theshaft 36 via any suitable engagement mechanism. For example, in someembodiments, a fastener 39 can frictionally engage or clamp to the shaft36. In some embodiments, the shaft 36 comprises threads 38, and thefastener 39 comprises complimentary threads as shown in FIG. 2. In someembodiments, the fastener 39 can be shaped to allow a user to easilyrotate the fastener 39 with respect to the shaft 36, for example havingknurling, or comprising a star shape as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thefastener 39 can be used in conjunction with the shaft 36 to secure aweight 16 against movement in three orthogonal directions.

The shaft 36 is preferably sized to allow use with both standard-sizedand Olympic-sized weight plates 18. In some embodiments, the shaft 36comprises a diameter of approximately 1 inch, or slightly less, and istherefore sized to receive a standard-sized weight plate 18. In someembodiments, a sizing adapter 17 can be provided, such as a cylindricaltube. The sizing adapter 17 desirably comprises a central aperture 19that is sized to receive the shaft 36, for example having an innerdiameter of approximately 1 inch, or slightly larger. The adapter 17 isdesirably sized to receive an Olympic-sized weight plate 18, for examplehaving an outer diameter of approximately 2 inches, or slightly less. Anadapter 17 desirably has a length that is less than the length of theshaft 36, to allow for use of a fastener 39.

In some embodiments, a fastener 39 comprises a lower flange 58 that canextend into the aperture of a weight plate 18. In some embodiments, alower flange 58 comprises a cylindrical shape having a diameter ofapproximately 2 inches, or slightly less. Thus, the fastener 39 can beused to secure an Olympic-sized weight, and an adapter 17 is notrequired.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 can comprise a diameter ofapproximately 2 inches, or slightly less, and is therefore sized toreceive an Olympic-sized weight plate 18.

In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a front portion 21, acentral portion 22 and a rear portion 23. The shaft 36 is located in thecentral portion 22. The front support 40 can attach to the front portion21, and the rear support 60 can attach to the rear portion 23. Legs 12can be attached to the front and rear portions 21, 23. Preferably, thefirearm rest 10 comprises at least three legs 12. For example, at leasttwo legs 12 can attach to the front portion 21 and at least one leg 12can attach to the rear portion 23. Additional legs 12 can provideimproved stability. In some embodiments, a plurality of legs 12 canattach to the front portion 21, and a plurality of legs 12 can attach tothe rear portion 23.

The front support 40 is constructed and arranged to support a firearm 8.In some embodiments, the front support 40 comprises a contoured sandbag42.

The front support 40 can be vertically adjustable. In some embodiments,the front support 40 comprises a threaded shaft 44 and an adjustmentmechanism 46, such as a nut with complimentary internal threadings. Insome embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 46 abuts the front portion 21of the frame 20. In some embodiments, rotation of the adjustmentmechanism 46 will cause the threaded shaft 44, and thus the frontsupport 40, to actuate upwards or downwards with respect to the frame20. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 46 comprises a shapethat allows easy adjustment of the mechanism, for example havingknurling, or comprising a star shape as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the height of the front support 40 can be lockedwith a locking mechanism 48. In some embodiments, for example as shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking mechanism 48 comprises a threaded pin thatis received by the front portion 21 of the frame 20. The lockingmechanism 48 preferably abuts and tightens against the threaded shaft 44in order to lock the threaded shaft 44 in place. In some embodiments,the threaded shaft 44 can comprises a groove or channel 49 that canreceive the locking mechanism 48. The channel 49 allows the lockingmechanism 48 to be quickly released, and the height of the front support40 to be adjusted without complete removal of the locking mechanism 48.In some embodiments, a locking mechanism 48 can comprise a T-shape,which allows for easier rotation.

The front support 40 can further comprise a lateral adjustment mechanism52. A lateral adjustment mechanism 52 can comprise a receiving member 54that mounts upon the threaded shaft 44, or in some embodiments, mountsupon the front portion 21 of the frame 20. The receiving member 54 islaterally adjustable with respect to the rest of the front support 40.In some embodiments, the receiving member 54 is engaged to a threadedadjustment shaft 56, which comprises a knob 57. Rotation of the threadedadjustment shaft 56 causes the receiving member 54 to actuate laterally.

The rear support 60 is constructed and arranged to support a firearm 8.In some embodiments, the rear support 60 comprises a contoured sandbag62. In some embodiments, the rear support 60 comprises a recoil strap64. In some embodiments, the recoil strap 64 comprises a non-metallicmaterial, such as a fabric. In some embodiments, the recoil strap 64 canbe removed. In some embodiments, the size/length of the recoil strap 64is adjustable, thus allowing for use with firearms of different sizesand shapes.

The rear support 60 can be vertically adjustable, for example comprisinga vertical adjustment mechanism similar to that of the front support 40.In some embodiments, the rear support 60 comprises a threaded shaft 44a, an adjustment mechanism 46 a and a locking mechanism 48 a, forexample as described with respect to the front support 40.

FIG. 3 shows another view of an embodiment of a firearm rest 10, whereinthe central portion 22 of the frame 20 is more visible.

The frame 20 can have any suitable shape and comprises at least onestructural member spanning between the front portion 21 and the rearportion 23. In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a first rail 30and a second rail 32 spanning between the front portion 21 and the rearportion 23. The first rail 30 and second rail 32 are preferably orientedon opposite sides of the shaft 36, and can therefore provide stablesupport for a weight 16. In some embodiments, the first rail 30comprises a mirror image of the second rail 32, wherein the mirror imageis taken across a longitudinal axis 11 of the firearm rest 10.

In some embodiments, each rail 30, 32 comprises a flat surface 24 thatdefines a support area for a weight. The flat surfaces 24 of the rails30, 32 are preferably oriented on a common plane 26. In someembodiments, the common plane 26 is oriented horizontally. Supportingsurfaces that are oriented in the common plane 26, such as the flatsurfaces 24, can collectively define a planar weight support surface.

In some embodiments, the frame 20 further comprises at least onecross-member 34 that spans between the first rail 30 and the second rail32. In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a plurality ofcross-members 34. In some embodiments, a cross-member comprises a flatsurface 24 oriented in the common plane 26. In some embodiments, flatsurfaces 24 of the rails 30, 32 and cross-members 34 can form acontinuous perimeter that extends around the shaft 36, wherein eachsurface of the continuous perimeter is oriented in the common plane 26.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is attached to a cross-member 34. Insome embodiments, the shaft 36 is supported by multiple cross-members34. For example, the shaft 36 can be connected between a firstcross-member 34 a and a second cross-member 34 b.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 can be attached to a connector 28, andthe connector 28 can be attached to the frame 20, for example beingattached to one or more cross-members 34. As shown in FIG. 3, theconnector 28 comprises a pin that is attached between the firstcross-member 34 a and the second cross-member 34 b. The shaft 36 ishingedly attached to the pin. In some embodiments, the shaft 36 cancomprise an aperture, and the pin can extend through the shaft aperture.

In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 further comprises at least onemagnet 66. The magnet(s) 66 are preferably arranged to attract and helpsecure a weight positioned on the frame 20. In some embodiments, themagnet(s) 66 are attached to the frame 20. In some embodiments, an upperside of a magnet 66 can be placed flush with a flat surface 24 of one ormore frame 20 elements. Thus, an upper side of a magnet 66 can lie inthe common plane 26.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is moveable between at least first andsecond positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 36 ishingedly attached to the frame 20 and rotatable about an axis 11 thatpasses through the center of rotation of the shaft 36.

A first position can comprise a deployed position wherein the shaft 36is arranged to receive and secure a weight plate 18, for example asillustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis 37 (seeFIG. 2) of the shaft 36 is oriented vertically or substantiallyvertically when the shaft 36 is in the first position.

A second position can comprise a stowed position wherein the shaft 36 isnot positioned to receive a weight plate 18. In some embodiments, whenin the second position, the shaft 36 is oriented such that it will notinterfere with any type of weight placed upon the frame 20. In someembodiments, the entire shaft 36 is positioned below the common plane 26or weight support area when in the second position.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis 37 of the shaft 36 has differentorientations in the first and second positions. Thus, the longitudinalaxis 37 in the second position is oriented at an angle to thelongitudinal axis 37 in the first position. In some embodiments, thelongitudinal axis 37 is oriented vertically in the first position andnon-vertically in the second position, for example being orientedhorizontally.

In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is attached to the frame 20 at alocation below the common plane 26. In some embodiments, the shaft 36extends up through the common plane 26 when oriented in the firstposition.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the shaft 36 oriented in a second or stowedposition. In some embodiments, a securement device 64 can be included toretain the shaft 36 in a given position. In some embodiments, thesecurement device 64 comprises a strap. As shown in FIG. 4, thesecurement strap 64 is arranged to secure the shaft 36 in the stowedposition.

In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 can further comprise a weightstrap 68. When the shaft 36 is oriented in the second position, anysuitable weight can be placed on the frame 20. One or more weight straps68 can be used to secure the weight in place. In some embodiments, aweight strap 68 can be threaded between cross-members 34 of the frame20.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest 10 supporting weight bags74. Weight bags 74 can be filled with sand, lead shot, etc. Desirably,each weight bag 74 can be secured to the frame 20 with a securementdevice, such as a weight strap 68.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a firearm rest 10. In someembodiments, the frame 20 further comprises a raised flange 72 thatextends around a support area for the weight. In some embodiments, asupport area comprises the collective supporting surfaces of variousframe 20 elements, for example the flat surfaces 24 described withrespect to FIG. 3.

The raised flange 72 desirably defines the shape of a perimeter of aweight. Thus, the raised flange 72 can encircle a weight and brace theweight against lateral movement. In various embodiments, a raised flange72 can have any suitable shape and can have any suitable height. In someembodiments, a shaped weight (not shown) can be provided for the firearmrest 10, and the raised flange 72 can define a perimeter of the shapedweight—for example a square or other polygon, or even an irregularshape. In some embodiments, a raised flange 72 comprises a circularshape. In some embodiments, a raised flange 72 can be sized for use withspecific standard-sized or Olympic-sized weight plates 18. For example,a raised flange 72 having an 11 inch diameter lends itself to use withone or more 25 pound Olympic-sized weight plate(s). The height of theraised flange 72 can be sized to secure any suitable amount of weightplates 18, for example, two, three or four stacked weight plates 18. Araised flange 72 having a diameter of approximately 18 inches lendsitself to use with one or more 35 pound Olympic-sized weight plate(s).

A raised flange 72 can be used with or without a shaft 36 as describedpreviously herein.

In some embodiments, a raised flange 72 can be attached to the frame 20.For example, in some embodiments, the raised flange 72 comprises a ring,which can be attached to the frame 20 at any location where the frame 20and raised flange 72 overlap. In some embodiments, the raised flange 72can be attached to the frame rails 30, 32.

In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 further comprises a shapedplatform 76 that is arranged to support the weight. In some embodiments,the platform 76 comprises a planar piece of material that is attached tothe frame 20. In some embodiments, a platform 76 can include a raisedflange 72.

In some embodiments, a platform 76 can include a frictional surface thatengages the weight. In some embodiments, the platform 76 can comprise arubber coating. In some embodiments, the platform 76 can comprise aleather or suede surface. In some embodiments, the platform 76 cancomprise a foam material. In some embodiments, the platform 76 caninclude one or more suction cups (not shown) oriented to engage aweight.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a firearm rest 10.

In some embodiments, a firearm rest 10 comprises one or more clamps 80.Clamps 80 are preferably arranged to secure a weight that is placed uponthe frame 20. A clamp 80 can comprise any suitable structure and shape,and preferably can be actuated between secured and released positions.

As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a clamp 80 can threadablyengage the frame 20. In some embodiments, a clamp 80 engages the frame20 at a location outside of the weight support area and comprises an arm81 that overhangs the weight support area. Thus, the arm 81 can engage aweight that is placed in the weight support area, and secure the weightagainst movement.

In some embodiments, each rail 30, 32 of the frame 20 can comprise twoclamps.

Clamps 80 can be used with or without a shaft 36 as described previouslyherein. Clamps 80 can secure a weight against movement in threeorthogonal directions.

Various embodiments of a firearm rest 10 can be designed for use withvarious amounts of weight. Preferably, a firearm rest 10 is capable ofaccepting at least 50 pounds of weight. It has been found that 25 poundsof weight is suitable for many shooting applications, while someshooters prefer 50 pounds. In some embodiments, a firearm rest 10 isconstructed and arranged to support and secure at least two 25 poundweight plates.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives andvariations are intended to be included within the scope of the claimswhere the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. Thosefamiliar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specificembodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to beencompassed by the claims.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

1. A firearm rest comprising: a frame; a front support; a rear support;and a shaft attached to the frame, the shaft moveable between first andsecond positions; wherein a longitudinal axis of the shaft is orientedsubstantially vertically in the first position.
 2. The firearm rest ofclaim 1, further comprising a weight having an aperture, the shaftoriented within the aperture.
 3. The firearm rest of claim 2, whereinthe weight comprises a standard-sized or Olympic-sized plate.
 4. Thefirearm rest of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a front portion, acentral portion and a rear portion, the front support attached to thefront portion, the shaft attached to central portion, and the rearsupport attached to the rear portion.
 5. The firearm rest of claim 1,wherein the frame comprises a first rail and a second rail, the shaftlocated between the first rail and the second rail.
 6. The firearm restof claim 5, the first rail comprising a first flat surface and thesecond rail comprising a second flat surface, the first flat surface andthe second flat surface oriented on a common plane.
 7. The firearm restof claim 6, wherein the shaft is attached to the frame at a locationbelow said common plane, the shaft extending upwards through said commonplane when in the first position.
 8. The firearm rest of claim 6,wherein the entire shaft is located below said common plane when theshaft is oriented in the second position.
 9. The firearm rest of claim6, wherein the frame further comprises a first cross-member and a secondcross-member, the shaft located between the first cross-member and thesecond cross-member, each cross-member spanning between the first railand the second rail.
 10. The firearm rest of claim 9, the firstcross-member comprising a third flat surface and the second cross-membercomprising a fourth flat surface, the third flat surface and the fourthflat surface oriented on the common plane, the first, second, third andfourth flat surfaces forming a continuous perimeter around the shaft.11. The firearm rest of claim 9, further comprising a pin, the pinattached between the first cross-member and the second cross-member; theshaft further comprising a shaft aperture oriented orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis, the pin extending through the shaft aperture.
 12. Thefirearm rest of claim 1, the shaft further comprising threadings, thefirearm rest further comprising a fastener that engages the threadings.13. A firearm rest comprising: a frame defining a planar weight supportsurface; a front firearm support; a rear firearm support; and a shaftattached to the frame at a location below the planar weight supportsurface, the shaft extending upwards through a plane defined by theplanar weight support surface.
 14. The firearm rest of claim 13, furthercomprising a weight supported by the planar weight support surface. 15.The firearm rest of claim 14, the weight comprising an aperture, theshaft oriented within the aperture.
 16. The firearm rest of claim 14,wherein the weight comprises a standard or Olympic plate.
 17. Thefirearm rest of claim 13, wherein the shaft is moveable between firstand second positions, the shaft oriented substantially vertically in thefirst position.
 18. A firearm rest comprising: a frame defining a planarweight support surface; a front firearm support; and a rear firearmsupport; wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support andsecure a weight plate.
 19. The firearm rest of claim 18, wherein saidweight plate is secured against movement in three orthogonal directions.20. The firearm rest of claim 18, wherein the frame comprises at leastone structure selected from a group consisting of: a clamp, a magnet, astrap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction pad, and a platformhaving a raised perimeter flange.